Author June Andrews, FRCN, is a professor and director of the Dementia Services Development Centre at the University of Stirling in Scotland. Learn more about her book, “The One-Stop Guide to Dementia,” and her work supporting families, organizations and governments to improve services for people with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, and their families.
A Guide to Dementia
A year ago I sent my husband and daughter on a trip to the other side of the world for six weeks so that I could be home alone to write a book about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
I had experienced dementia with my grandmother and have years of experience as the director of a dementia centre, but even so, it took me a long time to work through the information (and some misinformation) that is in publications and on the web.
When someone is diagnosed with dementia, it seems as if there is too much information, or too little. At a time of great stress, people find it hard to make sense of what they are told, even though the research is clear. There are some things that will make life better and delay the development of symptoms. The problem is that no one tells you how to go about achieving all of this at what is a terrible time in your life.
Fortunately, the Dementia Services Development Centre that I direct, is focused on research about what is practical and makes a difference for people with dementia. We pride ourselves on being useful and you may find resources on our website that can make a difference to your life.
My book, “Dementia — the One Stop Guide” also focuses on the areas of dementia that research shows are most difficult. It covers topics which include:
- What you can do to avoid the dangers of a hospital admission.
- What the best response to aggression, agitation and anxiety is.
- What you can do about nocturnal wandering and other disturbing behaviour.
My mother, Doris McCallum, a retired secretary, read the proofs of the guide with a sharp pencil in her hand. She made me change every complicated sentence and remove any difficult phrases. She knew that people don’t have time for that… they just need to know what is practical and achievable and they want to know it fast. She passed away after a very short illness, before the final proofs came back from the printer. I dedicate this work to her.
About the Author:
Professor June Andrews, FRCN, is the director of the Dementia Services Development Centre at the University of Stirling in Scotland. She works all over the world supporting individuals, families, organisations and governments to improve services for people with dementia and their families.
Have you read “The One-Stop Guide to Dementia,” and used some of it’s strategies while caring for a loved one? Share your story with us about your dementia experience in the comments below.
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